Soldiers in the Arkansas National Guard fired newly issued M777A2 towed 155 mm howitzers during a live fire training exercise at Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center, near Barling, Arkansas, 28 July. The howitzers were fielded to the newest formed unit in the state of Arkansas. Charlie Battery "Cold Steel", 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team is headquartered in Booneville, Arkansas. This is the first time in history that the M777A2 howitzer has been issued to the Arkansas National Guard. Charlie battery was specifically formed just to receive these new artillery pieces and they have been tasked with the responsibility of handling and maintaining the newly fielded howitzers. The M777A2s are commonly referred to as "Triple 7s". The battery was issued the weapons on 16 July, 2018. The 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment is now designated as a Composite Artillery Battalion since the battalion has now been issued the M777A2 howitzers along with the newest variant of the M119 howitzer. Composite Artillery Battalions deliver fires to suppress, neutralize and destroy the full spectrum of enemy ground based combat, combat support and combat service support forces. The battalion strikes throughout the depth of enemy formations interdicting ground forces and suppressing enemy air defense and fire support and command and control systems. Due to the upgraded technology and enhanced capabilities the composite battalion may be called to perform all four of the standard tactical missions: direct support, general support, general support reinforcing and reinforcing. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Spc. Stephen M. Wright) Additional information: The M777A2 is a towed 155 mm howitzer developed by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps. It is the first ground combat system whose major structures are made of high-strength titanium alloy resulting in a weight savings of 3,175 kilograms (6,999 pounds) in comparison to the M198 155 mm howitzer. The M777A2 incorporates innovative design technologies that reduces system weight to less than 4,500 kilograms (9,920 pounds) while increasing mobility, survivability, deployablility and sustainability for expeditionary operations. The M777A2 provides accurate, predictive fires in order to support maneuver forces. It can easily be transported by several types of aircraft, to include the UH-60 Black Hawk. The M777A2 fires a 155 mm ordnance using a similar barrel as the M109A6 self-propelled howitzer. The elevating mass comprises two sub-assemblies, the cradle and the cannon tube assembly. The cradle includes four extruded titanium tubes, an accumulator, two recoil cylinders and balancing gear. The cannon tube assembly includes the cannon tube, muzzle brake, towing eye, primer feed mechanism and screw breech. The M777A2 makes extensive use of hydraulics to operate the breech, loading tray and suspension system to reduce crew size and fatigue. Additionally, the M777A2 provides significant time savings for displacement and emplacement. Its primer feed mechanism supports a maximum firing rate of four rounds per minute and a sustained rate of two rounds per minute. In firing position, two stabilizers are deployed at the front and two split trails fitted with self-digging spades and dampers at the rear. A small hydraulic hand pump is installed at each wheel station to raise and lower the system into and out of action. The M777A2 is operated by nine Soldiers to handle the various functions of the howitzer. It can be ready to fire in less than three minutes and can leave its firing position in the same amount of time. The M777A2 fires 155 mm ammunition including unassisted projectiles to a range of 24 kilometers (14.9 miles) and assisted projectiles to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles). With upgraded systems, it can also fire Excalibur Precision 155 mm projectiles, GPS-guided at a maximum range of 40 kilometers (24.9 miles). The target, platform location and GPS-specific data are entered into the projectile’s mission computer through an Enhanced Portable Inductive Artillery Fuse Setter. Excalibur’s capability allows for first round effects on target, simultaneously minimizing the number of rounds required to engage targets and minimizing collateral damage.